Clear the Clutter Before You Clear the Energy

by Lisa Morton  Master Teacher of Interior Alignment®

Have you ever burned sage, rung a bell, or set intentions to clear your home’s energy, only to feel like something still feels off? That’s because I believe energetic space clearing isn’t just about shifting energy, it’s about creating space for new energy to flow. And nothing blocks that flow like clutter.

Before you grab your sage or sound bowl, let’s talk about why clutter clearing is the essential first step in any energetic space clearing and how to do it effectively and easily.

Imagine trying to sweep your floors while dog toys, papers, and random objects are scattered about. You’d only be able to clean the visible areas, while dust, dirt, and stagnant energy continue to hide in the corners.

Clutter is like energetic congestion, it holds onto emotions, memories, and old energy. If you skip decluttering before performing an energetic clearing, you’re essentially trying to refresh the air in a room filled with heavy, unmoved objects.

Some reasons why I believe clearing clutter first is non-negotiable:

1. Stuck energy gets trapped in piles of paperwork, overstuffed closets, and neglected corners.
2. Everything holds energy, objects from the past may be keeping you emotionally or mentally stuck there.
3. Fresh energy needs room to flow. When you clear clutter, you create space for new opportunities and clarity.

How to clear clutter effectively before an energy cleanse:

Before you start, take a moment to set an intention for why you’re clearing. Your energy matters so instead of viewing decluttering as a chore, reframe it as an energy shift. You may choose to recite a mantra, prayer or poem. Also add to the moment by lighting a candle, playing some beautiful music or diffusing some essential oils. (I personally love citrus when I’m clearing clutter as it feels so fresh and clean).

First, start with an area that doesn’t hold sentimental items. By beginning with somewhere like the catch-all drawer in the kitchen you can begin to build up momentum prior to moving onto those areas with sentimental items. My favorite place to start in my own home is the linen closet. 

Use the “Keep or Clear” method. Just like Marie Kondo’s “Does it spark joy” approach, this asks you, should you keep it or clear it.  Does it inspire you to move in the right direction or is it holding you back? Do you use it? Do you love it? Is it just another useless thing that you have to dust?

If an item feels heavy or stagnant, it’s time to release it. Donate the item, recycle or give away if possible. Use the landfill as a last resort. 

For the clutter clearing process I recommend creating a plan. Write down your approach and decide if you’ll go left to right or top to bottom. Have boxes labeled with donate, recycle, give away, and ensure you have all necessary tools such as garbage bags, labels, markers and boxes ready to go. Don’t forget to play some fun music too. This always seems to support the process.

After you clear out the clutter, then create intentional open space. Leave some open space in drawers and closets as this invites in new opportunities. Keep tables and countertops clear as this helps with focus and productivity. Make space in your pantry and refrigerator to allow inspiration for health and well being.

Now that you’ve confronted the clutter it’s time to perform your energetic space clearing ritual. I always recommend avoiding taking this on the same day as you clutter clear. Set a special day on the calendar for a few days out. Take time to prepare in other ways such as cleaning and making your home sparkling. Also, take time to select just the right tools and prepare your intention altar. 

Now that the clutter is gone, your clearing tools will work more effectively. Clutter clearing isn’t just a one time thing, it’s a regular practice to keep your home and your life in harmony. The next time you feel “off” in your space, don’t just reach for the sage, clear out clutter first, then cleanse your home.

Lisa is a Certified Advanced Practitioner of Interior Alignment® Feng Shui, Medicine Wheel Feng Shui Practitioner, Certified in Seven Star Blessing Space Clearings, Member of International Feng Shui Guild, Allied Member ASID, Reiki Master, and a Color Psychology Enthusiast.

Lisa has a background of over 15 years in the Interior Design industry designing both residential and commercial spaces. She began her Interior Alignment training under LuAnn Cibik in 2014 and has since transitioned her business to focus solely on Holistic Interior Design completing Feng Shui consultations and implementation as well as offering Space Clearings.

You can enjoy her work while visiting many popular yoga studios and holistic health clinics throughout the Great Lakes region. In her spare time Lisa loves to teach and practice yoga, travel with her husband and spend time with her two English Mastiff’s.

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